KARACHI, Oct 10: Pakistan’s record-breaking golfer Shafiq Masih overturned a three-shot final round deficit to edge past Craig Smith of Wales and win the Dirab Golf Championship in playoff on Wednesday.

Taking advantage of his knowledge of the course, Pakistani ace matched the Welshman’s sizzling final round 66 — a new course record — to force a playoff after both finished level on eight-under 208 in regulation, according to information received here from Riyadh.

Shafiq birdied the first extra hole, the par-4, 18th to wrap up the biggest win of his career while Smith landed his approach in the bunker and had to settle for a par in a dramatic finish to the $50,000 tournament.

England’s Ian Keenan carded back-to-back 69 to finish third on seven-under 209, one shot ahead of joint overnight leader William Harrold and two off Daniel Owen. The day, however, belonged to Shafiq, a former golf instructor at the Dirab Golf and Country Club. Simply irresistible from tee to green, Shafiq rattled off seven birdies with just one bogey (on the 10th) to catch up with Smith, his playing partner for the day, before seeing off his challenge in the playoff.

Ali Belhared of the Saudi Golf Federation presented the winner’s trophy to Shafiq. “It feels just great to win an international event of this stature,” said a jubilant Shafiq after receiving the biggest purse ($9,000) of his career.—APP